Jewish Wedding Keepsake

There are many explanations out there for why a bride and groom break a glass during a Jewish wedding ceremony. Some say that doing so symbolizes the permanence of marriage, because as long as the glass remains broken the couple will stay together. Some believe that the loud noise of glass breaking keeps away evil spirits, or that the shards represent the many facets of happiness that marriage will provide.

Whatever the meaning of breaking a glass, those adding this tradition to their wedding vows should know that there are better, more “fool-proof“options out there than a cheap old wine glass: Colorful glasses that are specially shaped to break easily are available for just this purpose—even if you’re wearing heels! Some even come with a velvet bag to hold the glass shards—a very important safety accessory! Carol Attia of Under The Chuppah offers these special glasses and custom “Break-the-glass” or “Mazel Tov Bags” at her studio along with her chuppot.
After the glass is broken, some might choose to save the pieces as a wedding memento, keeping the shards in a sealed jar or assembling a mosaic. A mezuzah with a vial to hold the glass shards makes a lovely gift for the couple’s new home. You can even create your own kaleidoscope with a kit from The Gary Rosenthal Collection.

If you’re having a Jewish wedding, will you both break the glass together? Do you plan to keep the shards as a keepsake?